‘Gaux-To Paso Robles: Our Guide to This Laid-Back, World-Class CA Wine Region
Although Napa and Sonoma have long been California’s claims to winemaking fame, a number of southerly areas are giving these two powerhouses a serious run for their money—enter Paso Robles, one of the state’s most up-and-coming regions to visit. Home to over 200 wineries—and an incredibly charming downtown area—planning a weekend in Paso offers the perfect wine-soaked escape for those looking to enjoy the Central Coast.
The Bigger Picture:
Paso Robles is a designated American Viticultural Area located in California’s San Luis Obispo County. Wine had been produced in Paso Robles since the late 18th century, thanks to Spanish missionaries who settled in the area. Today, over 40,000 acres of vines are cultivated in Paso Robles, most of which are planted to Rhône varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The region is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Soils in Paso Robles are composed mostly of weathered granite and volcanic bedrock overlaid with a variety of sandstone and calcareous shales. More than 60 different grape varieties are now cultivated in this small-yet-fierce area, and over 200 wineries call Paso Robles home.
How to Get There / Get Around:
The closest airport to downtown Paso Robles is the San Luis Obispo regional airport, which is located just 30 miles south of the area. Santa Barbara airport is approximately 125 miles away, and LAX is around 215 miles, which ends up being around a 3.5 hour drive. Once in Paso, we highly recommend booking a private driver or driving service to get around, as Ubers / Lyfts can be scarce. Uncorked Wine Tours is one of our favorite services, and Fetch also provides great local transportation!
Where to Stay:
Allegretto Resort – Tuscan-inspired hotel with bocce ball courts, on-site spa, and beautiful gardens
The Piccolo – Boutique hotel in downtown Paso Robles with awesome rooftop bar
Hotel Cheval – Luxury boutique hotel near historic town square
The Stables Inn – 19-room boutique motel located three blocks from downtown park; little sister property to Hotel Cheval
Geneseo Inn – High-end bed-and-breakfast located in the heart of wine country
Air BnBs – Some killer options in this breathtaking wine region!
Coffee & Breakfast:
Coffee and travel go hand in hand. Here are a few of our favorite places to start the day:
Amstrdm – Great coffee, and the breakfast sandwich is out of this world!
Spearhead Coffee – Strong coffee, espresso drinks, and tea in a rustic-chic space
Sasquatch Coffee House – Easy drive-through option with solid pastries
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Niner – Responsibly-sourced food located on a beautiful wine estate
The Backyard on 13th – Wine & beer garden with outdoor seating – don’t sleep on the lobster rolls!
Hatch – Tasty wood-fired food in a beautiful, brick-lined space
Six Test Kitchen – Michelin-star dining experience located inside Tin City (see below for further details on the space)
Les Petites Canailles – Farm-to-table bistro focused on locally-sourced ingredients from central California
Finca – Casual-yet-delicious Mexican food featuring wood-grilled fish and tacos
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. – Fun place to grab low-key snacks and refreshing brews!
Wineries to Visit:
Tablas Creek – Organic / regenerative winery focused on Rhône varieties; indoor and outdoor space to taste and enjoy
Adelaida – Family-owned winery focused on organic farming located in a 19th-century settlement
Thacher – Award-winning winery producing hand-crafted, authentic wines (that are really delicious!)
Alta Colina – 130-acre ranch producing Rhône-style wines and delicious Syrah
L’Aventure – Beautiful winery with fully covered patio focused on Bordeaux and Rhône varieties
Daou – 600-acre property (400 of which are vineyards) with breathtaking, panoramic views of the region – don’t miss it!
Turley Wine Cellars – Tasting room of same-name Napa winery spearheaded by dynamic winemaker Tegan Passalacqua
Booker – 100-acre, certified organic estate focused on Rhône varieties; biodynamic practices also incorporated
Epoch – Artisanal wines from historic Paso sites crafted by winemaker Jordan Fiorentini
Law – Hand-crafted, sustainably-farmed wines produced in western Paso Robles
Additional Activities
Tin City – Industrial “makers market” featuring small tasting rooms (Field Recordings, Union Sacré Winery, and Desperada), unique breweries (like Tin City Cider), shops, and an on-site distillery
Take in the sunset with an early morning hot air balloon ride
Check out Sensorio Field of Light
Visit the nearby Camp Roberts Historical Museum
Enjoy a Paso Robles Walking History Tour
Hit the California Mid-State Fair (seasonal)
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